Archive for month: October, 2017

The event was a huge success!

Thank you, my friends and family for joining in the festivities and donations. Your contribution is much appreciated. I hope you had as good of a time as we did. We collected over 250 lbs of food that we donated to St. Mary’s Food Bank, all thanks to you!

There are a lot of excellent reasons to purchase an older home. They tend to have a lot more character and plenty more stories to tell than newer homes, and they may even be available in architectural styles that aren’t very common in your location anymore. However, there are also quite a few features you need to keep in mind when you’re shopping for an older home. It’s easy to get drawn in by the beauty and charm of an older house, but always remember to think it over before you spring on something that could cause problems down the line.

Look for Hazardous Materials

Older homes may contain a variety of hazardous materials. Any home that was built before 1985 is at risk for having lead pipes, and homes built before 1978 may have lead paint on the walls if they were never stripped in all that time. Homes built before 1980 may also contain asbestos in their insulation, roofs, fireplaces and walls if they haven’t been updated. Homes built before the 1970s may be prone to radon gas buildup and should be tested.

Frame and Foundation

Check the foundation of any older home you’re looking into buying. These homes have been sitting there for a long time and, if they haven’t been kept up with perfectly, there’s a good chance they’re going to have some foundational damage. Take a look at the frame of the home, too. While you may end up with a house that has a real, heavy wood frame—which is great—you may also get one that has too much space between the frame and walls, which can contribute to fire hazards.

Plumbing and Electrical

Lead or steel pipes can be very dangerous and should be replaced before you move into an older home. Many homes have probably already had this taken care of, but not all of them. Make sure you have a home inspection to find out what type of pipes the property you’re considering may have. Electrical wiring may be made of aluminum in older homes, which is a serious fire hazard.

Working Smoke Detectors

Always check for working smoke detectors and, preferably, working carbon monoxide detectors as well. If the house doesn’t have any in place, don’t buy it until they have been installed or you have tested for the presence of carbon monoxide in the home. You may be able to negotiate for these alarms to be upgraded if they’re very outdated, too.

If you truly like the charm of an older home, don’t let this stop you form purchasing what you real want. Those homes come are typically located in established neighborhoods, larger lots and are surrounded by mature landscape. Your real estate agent will hire an experienced and thorough inspector who knows exactly what to look for.

Are you looking to buy a home, new or older? I am a local area expert in the west valley, and I can help you find a home that meets your needs and lifestyle. Contact me today to get started! 602-329-7782

https://goodglendalehomesforsale2.agentwebsites.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2017/10/S-Older-Home-in-Scottsdale.jpg7571024donnasnyderhttp://goodglendalehomesforsale2.agentwebsites.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2019/02/Elise-Fay.pngdonnasnyder2017-10-23 05:00:582017-10-23 05:00:58Ten Things to Look for in an Older Arizona House

Just because you have a low budget doesn’t mean there isn’t a great home waiting for you to discover it. However, shopping for a home on a budget can be challenging. You may feel nervous telling your realtor or you may not know how to approach your bank about it, either. Just remember that there are plenty of people who buy houses on a budget frequently, and you won’t be the first or the last to do so. And don’t forget to follow the tips below for great results!

Consider Foreclosures

Foreclosures are usually homes that were repossessed by a bank or lender because the owner could no longer make mortgage payments on the property. The bank is then trying to sell the property to get it off their hands and recoup the money they lost on financing the home in the first place. Because of this, however, another bank isn’t likely to finance this type of purchase, so you may not have the benefit of a loan to help you out. Also be aware that these homes are almost always left in disarray and poor conditions because the owners couldn’t afford to keep up with repairs – or, in some instances, were angry about the foreclosure and trashed the home before leaving.

Look for As-Is Homes

Once again, you may have trouble getting the bank to approve a loan for an as-is home, but if you’re in good standing with your bank you may be able to qualify for assistance with one of these properties. These homes may have only minor cosmetic damage, but in some cases, they could have serious structural or roof problems that will need to be repaired at your expense. You also must pay for the cost of a home inspection yourself on an as-is property. If you plan to buy an as-is home, be prepared to spend a long time shopping around before you find a home that doesn’t need anything too significant in terms of repairs. Otherwise, you may end up going way over your budget in the long run.

Stay Up-To-Date on Neighborhood Changes

If you live in the city, think about neighborhoods that seem to be transitioning from low-quality to better-quality. While you may have to deal with more growing pains than you might prefer in these areas, at least for a few years, chances are good you can get a great home in a neighborhood many outsiders aren’t considering yet. In a little while, these neighborhoods will improve and you’ll be living in a great part of town. The same is true of suburbs surrounding cities that are expanding. Give it a few years, and you’ll be closer to town than you used to be.

Are you looking to buy a home? Get started with this custom home search. I am a local area expert in Glendale, Peoria, AZ and surrounding areas. I can help you find a home that meets your needs and lifestyle.

https://goodglendalehomesforsale2.agentwebsites.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2017/10/S-West-Valley-home.jpg600900donnasnyderhttp://goodglendalehomesforsale2.agentwebsites.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/68/2019/02/Elise-Fay.pngdonnasnyder2017-10-12 13:39:072017-10-12 13:39:07Tips For Buying a House On A Low Budget